CUPE has updated its HIV and AIDS policy. The policy was adopted by the National Executive Board at its March meeting. CUPE HIV & AIDS policy - a workplace response to the pandemic builds on the groundbreaking work begun with the first policy in 1995.
Since then there have been many scientific and medical advances. Fewer people are dying from AIDS and the number of people living with HIV and those at risk of infection is more stable because of better social and economic conditions. Our progress is significant but still very fragile.
Our vision is shaped by 15 years of work, most recently at a strategy meeting in October 2012. Nearly 50 CUPE members, activists, leaders, staff and allies joined together to help better understand the important challenges and emerging issues for those affected by HIV and AIDS. A full range of diverse voices brought rich perspectives to our plans and strategies for future work.
The CUPE HIV & AIDS policy - a workplace response to the pandemic provides our mission, vision and values as a foundation for the union’s work. We have taken positions from communities and workplaces to the global level, to ensure the full protection of all human rights and labour rights for both HIV positive workers, and those working or living with people who are HIV positive.
The policy can help us better understand the issues of HIV and AIDS, both in Canada and around the world. It shows why this pandemic is both a human rights issue and a workplace issue for unions and labour activists and includes concepts to consider in bargaining and to support CUPE members in the workplace.
The appendix outlines information that may help start conversations and actions in locals, workplaces and communities.
- For more information and resources please contact equality@cupe.ca
